Brooke and I lose it, and for the first time since lunch my chest doesn't feel so tight.
"See?" she says, turning to me. "Now, spill."
My smile fades as I fold my arms, adjusting my weight. "Trevor pretty much said I think of everyone but him."
Her eyes grow wide. "That's because he thinks about himself enough for the both of you!"
"Yeah." I nod, my jaw tight. "I think I'm finally ready to admit that."
She sighs, loops her elbow through mine, and pulls me into the room next door. The living room—with its drop-cloth covered couches and that ottoman that started the whole interview debacle—leads into some sort of den.
This one's cozy, with its fireplace, bulky sofa, and soft light streaming in. My mind immediately goes to the familiar space in Liam's house, and a new wave of anger washes over me as the subject reminds me of the reason I'm here. Once again, I groan.
"I thought I could do this," I admit, dropping onto the couch. I pull a warm, fuzzy blanket into my lap and ball it up rather than drape it over me. "Just ignore all his bullshit. But the past few weeks have been too much. I mean, he's giving me shit about doing my job instead of going away with him, when all he does when we're together is sit on his phone, bet on sports, and watch dudes roll around with each other."
Brooke tilts her head as she falls onto the cushion next to me. "Are you sure it's sports he's watching…"
I laugh to myself. "You know what I mean."
She smiles, then her face softens. "I know exactly what you mean, Tess. And I'm just gonna say it—the guy sucks. Sure, he's hot, and he has a good job, but he treats you like dirt. Or at least like you're less than. You have so much to offer, but all he sees when he looks at you is a hot piece of ass and someone to take care of him."
I roll my eyes. "God, we're awful together."
Her face crinkles as she nods apologetically. "I'm inclined to agree."
I exhale, feeling seen, the air already lighter. "How come you've never said that before?"
Brooke runs her hand over the pillow between us. "Because I know you aren't head over heels for him—you've said it yourself. I figured you were just coasting until you were ready to end it."
I toy with the edge of the blanket, realizing she’s right. I was coasting. I knew exactly what the relationship was—temporary, convenient. And so did he. I let his douchiness slide because he checked a few boxes that looked good on paper. That kept things comfortable.
But I’m done.
"Well, I'm over that now." I groan. "God, what is wrong with me?"
Brooke turns toward me and lays her head on the back cushion of the couch. "Eh, don't be so hard on yourself. We're all just figuring this shit out. Sometimes it's not settling until you realize that there's better out there. You only know what you know… ya know?"
I smirk, nudging her knee. "Yeah." I glance around, finally noticing the deep red accent wall behind the mantle. "Hey, you did the maroon."
"Eh, sort of," she says, scrunching her nose. "I wasn't ready to commit to the real thing, so I did this temporarily. Just enough to testthe waters."
I chuckle to myself before my face falls flat. "Been there."
Brooke laughs and slaps my leg. "So, what now?"
My eyes meet hers as my chest tightens.I have no idea what happens next."I don't know. I said I wasn't going back tonight. I guess maybe I'll call my sister or something."
"Aren't you traveling with Liam and Ruthie this weekend?"
I lift one shoulder. "I guess not. He never actually asked me to go. I told you he's been weird with me."
"Hmm, I'm not either this time." She looks down at the accent rug beneath our feet. "You can always stay at the old apartment. It's just your boxes, anyway. Or here if you want to. We could kick Drew out and have us a girls' weekend."
I press my lips together. "Thanks, but I trashed my bed when I moved, and you guys are still getting settled. I'll just call my—"
Buzzing from my purse cuts me off. I dig my phone out of my crossbody, confused when I see the name on the screen isn't Trevor's. Somehow that makes it worse—or better. I can't decide.
"Hello?" I ask, looking at Brooke. She furrows her brow, searching for details.
